Immaculata (0) at Bridgewater-Raritan (14) - Boys Lacrosse

In the style that has led him through 32 years at the helm of Bridgewater-Raritan's boys'lacrosse program, head coach Chuck Apel did not want to talk about himself and his accomplishments. He only wanted to commend the ones around him.

"The kids played well," said Apel, moments after a Gatorade bath celebrating his 400th career victory, a 14-0 triumph over Immaculata in Somerville. "I'm happier about that."

Bridgewater, No. 1 in The Star-Ledger Top 20, was led offensively by four goals and four assists from Scott Bieda and four goals and two assists from Ryan Hollingsworth. The most telling stat of the game was the shot differential between the two squads -- Bridgewater dominated by a margin of 47-8.

The defense was stalwart, led by Evan Mock, Andrew Hegenmule, Jared Kaden, and Connor Murphy. Immaculata did not record their first shot until 6:54 in the second quarter and by that point, Bridgewater was already up by eight goals.

"Mock has been outstanding all year," said Apel. "We’ve played a lot of good attacks and Mock has handled everybody we have played. But it’s him, Jared Kaden and Connor Murphy. They talk and they are such a good unit. It’s the way they help each other and they slide and double and they really make it tough for you to get a good look at the goal."

On the offensive side, Hollingsworth and Bieda are very much in sync and the cohesiveness of the unit as a whole is impressive.

"Ryan and I have been playing together since fifth grade," said Bieda. "I know exactly where he’s going to be. I know where he’s cutting almost before he knows where he’s cutting. That’s the type of connection that we have right now."

While the game was in hand early, the players knew they needed to do something special for their coach., who led Bridgewater to its first Tournament of Champions state title and its fourth overall group championship last spring.

The Gatorade shower was in the back of their minds and they executed it perfectly, much like their play on the field.

"Coach Apel was being Coach Apel. He did not mention this win at all for him," said Mock. " We knew it was 400. We wanted to play our best and make it special for him.”

While Apel deflects praise to his players and coaches, the players have nothing but praise and admiration for their leader.

"He has just taught us so much," said Bieda. "Not only about lacrosse, but about life and being self-respectful and being a team and a family. He's such a great coach."